POLICE have seized tens of thousands of pounds worth of drugs after raiding a flat in Renfrew. 

Officers swooped on the property in Bute Avenue on Tuesday in response to an anonymous tip-off from a member of the public about suspicious activity taking place there.

When police arrived at the scene, they established that cannabis plants were being grown in the flat and the area was quickly secured.

Officers armed with a search warrant then raided the property at around 11am on Wednesday.

More than 100 plants were recovered from a cannabis farm inside the building, which was spread across several rooms and a loft space and worth an estimated street value of around £50,000.

Inspector Allan O’Hare, head of community policing for Renfrewshire, told The Gazette: “Officers attended the address whilst acting on intelligence received from the public.

“On arrival, it was quickly established that a cannabis cultivation was present and a sheriff search warrant was obtained.

“The electricity meter had also been bypassed, which posed a significant fire risk to residents of the building.

“Due to the amount of heating and lightning in a cultivation, they are extremely dangerous and the officers have acted quickly to make the building safe.

“I would encourage the public to assist us in trying to identify those responsible for this cultivation due to the lives that could have been put at risk if it was allowed to continue.

“I would also ask that they are vigilant in looking for signs of cultivations where they live, which include a strong and sickly sweet smell, constantly covered or blocked windows, strong and constant lighting day and night, high levels of heat and condensation and the constant buzz of ventilation, to name a few.”

Police have said enquiries to trace the owner of the property are ongoing.

Anyone with information should call officers on 101. Alternatively, ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond